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Five Early Steps to Prepare for Your Carbon Report

Prepare your carbon report with 5 key steps: frameworks, emissions inventory, reduction targets, and tools for sustainability success.

Ava Montini

Jan 21, 2025

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Preparing a carbon report is a powerful opportunity to align your organization with forward-thinking strategies, meet stakeholder expectations, and uncover new ways to enhance operational efficiency. As sustainability continues to shape the business landscape, reporting on carbon emissions has evolved beyond compliance to become a cornerstone of long-term value creation.


The reality is clear: over 66% of the world's largest companies now disclose climate-related data through frameworks like CDP, reflecting the growing demand for transparency. In the U.S., buildings alone account for approximately 31% of total greenhouse gas emissions, making industries like real estate and property management key players in addressing climate challenges.


While the process can seem complex, it is entirely manageable with the right approach. From understanding reporting frameworks to streamlining data collection, this journey is about building a clear, actionable plan that sets your organization up for success. By focusing on key priorities and leveraging proven strategies, you can take confident steps toward creating a carbon report that reflects your commitment to innovation and leadership.


Here's how to begin:

1. Understand the Frameworks and Requirements

Carbon reporting begins with understanding the frameworks and regulations that apply to your organization. These frameworks are essentially the rulebooks that guide how you measure, calculate, and present emissions data. Choosing the right one depends on your industry, geographic location, and specific requirements from stakeholders, investors, or regulators.


For example, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) is a foundational standard that categorizes emissions into three scopes: Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions across your value chain). Meanwhile, platforms like CDP and frameworks like TCFD focus on how companies disclose emissions to investors and other audiences.


The first step is identifying which frameworks are required or preferred for your organization. U.S.-based companies should pay particular attention to the SEC’s proposed rules for climate disclosures, which could require public companies to report more detailed emissions data. Additionally, consulting with sustainability professionals or using resources like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Corporate Standard can provide clarity and structure.



Scopes 1, 2 and 3 Emissions Inventorying and Guidance | US EPA

2. Build a Comprehensive Emissions Inventory

Your emissions inventory is the foundation of your carbon report. It involves identifying and quantifying all emissions across your organization. This inventory will include direct emissions from owned assets, indirect emissions from energy use, and, if applicable, emissions from your value chain.


To start, define your organizational boundaries. Will you report emissions based on operational control (activities you oversee directly) or equity share (based on your ownership percentage)? Next, gather data from utility bills, fuel logs, procurement records, and any other relevant sources. If collecting this data feels overwhelming, prioritize high-impact emissions sources first, such as energy use or transportation, and expand from there.


Digital tools can simplify this process. Platforms like EPA’s Simplified GHG Emissions Calculator or specialized carbon accounting software can help centralize and automate data collection. Partnering with teams across your organization—such as facilities management and procurement—can also ensure data is accurate and complete.


Other Resources to Leverage:



3. Focus on High-Impact Emissions Sources

Not all emissions are equally significant, and prioritizing high-impact areas can make your efforts more effective. By focusing on emissions sources that account for the largest share of your footprint or are most relevant to stakeholders, you can direct resources where they’ll have the greatest impact.


To prioritize effectively, consider conducting a materiality assessment. This process involves evaluating which emissions sources are most relevant to your business and stakeholders. Engaging with investors, clients, and regulators can provide additional insights into what matters most. Benchmarking your data against industry peers can also help you identify areas where your organization may be lagging or leading.


Visualizing emissions through heatmaps or similar tools can further clarify where to focus your efforts. These insights can guide decisions on upgrades, retrofits, or supply chain adjustments, ensuring your carbon reporting efforts translate into meaningful action.


Resources to Leverage:



4. Set Clear Reduction Targets and Timelines

Once you have a clear picture of your emissions, the next step is setting reduction targets that align with your organizational goals. These targets provide direction and accountability, signalling to stakeholders that you’re serious about sustainability.


Begin by establishing a baseline year—a starting point against which future progress will be measured. From there, set short- and long-term goals. For example, you might aim to reduce Scope 2 emissions by 25% over five years through renewable energy procurement or energy efficiency upgrades. Aligning your targets with global initiatives like the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) can further demonstrate your commitment to climate goals.


Regularly communicating progress toward these goals can help build trust with investors, tenants, and other stakeholders. Transparency about challenges and adjustments also demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.


Resources to Leverage:



5. Invest in Infrastructure and Expertise

Successful carbon reporting requires robust infrastructure and a knowledgeable team. Whether it’s tools for data collection or employee training, these investments can streamline the process and ensure accuracy.


Many companies start by adopting carbon accounting software, which automates data management and reporting. Platforms like Sphera, Envizi, or Ecovadis offer features that track emissions across scopes, analyze trends, and generate reports tailored to specific frameworks. For organizations with complex operations, these tools can save significant time and effort.


Equipping your team with the right expertise is equally important. Training employees on reporting frameworks, data collection methodologies, and compliance requirements can reduce reliance on external consultants over time. Partnering with third-party verification bodies can also enhance the credibility of your reports, especially if they’ll be shared with investors or regulators.


Resources to Leverage:


Preparing for your carbon report is about more than compliance—it’s a strategic opportunity to lead on sustainability, improve operations, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. While the process may seem complex, following these five steps will provide a clear roadmap to get started.


As you embark on this journey, remember that every organization’s path will look a little different. What matters most is taking the first step and building momentum. By investing in education, planning, and collaboration, you can turn the challenge of carbon reporting into an opportunity to create lasting value for your business and the environment.

The Role of Air Conditioning in Maintaining Good Air Quality

Writer's picture: Jennifer CrowleyJennifer Crowley
Aug 2, 2023
Rooftop image of stacked industrial Air Conditioning units atop a metal rack
While air conditioning primarily focuses on cooling indoor spaces, it also contributes to ventilation by facilitating fresh air exchange.

In the scorching heat of summer, air conditioning becomes a lifeline for many people. Not only does it provide relief from high temperatures, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining good air quality.


Air conditioning systems have come a long way in terms of efficiency and innovation, offering benefits beyond just cooling the air. In this blog post, we will delve into how air conditioning contributes to maintaining good air quality, including filtration, humidity control, and ventilation.


Benefits of Air Conditioning in Maintaining Good Air Quality

An air conditioning system maintains indoor air quality, providing a healthy and comfortable environment for people to live and work in. It:

  1. Maintains humidity by humidifying or dehumidifying

  2. Provides constant and adequate ventilation

  3. Cleans the air by removing allergens and pollutants

  4. Maintains a desired temperature by heating or cooling the air


Filtration: Removing Pollutants

One of the primary functions of air conditioning systems is filtration. They help eliminate pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other airborne particles. Modern air conditioning units are equipped with efficient filters that trap these contaminants, preventing them from circulating indoors. High-quality filters can capture even smaller particles, improving the overall air quality.

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the filters remain clean and effective. Clogged or dirty filters not only reduce the system’s efficiency but also hinder its ability to filter out pollutants effectively. So, cleaning or replacing filters is essential, as recommended by the manufacturer.


Humidity Control: Preventing Mold and Mildew

Excessive humidity in the air can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which are known to cause respiratory issues and allergies. Air conditioning systems help regulate indoor humidity levels, creating an environment less conducive to the growth of these harmful microorganisms.


By removing moisture from the air, air conditioners help prevent the accumulation of condensation on surfaces, which can promote mould growth. Some advanced air conditioning units even have built-in dehumidification features that actively extract excess moisture, maintaining optimal humidity levels for comfort and health.


Ventilation: Fresh Air Exchange

While air conditioning primarily focuses on cooling indoor spaces, it also contributes to ventilation by facilitating fresh air exchange. Stale indoor air can contain a buildup of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and odours. Air conditioning systems with ventilation options allow fresh outdoor air into the space, diluting pollutants and enhancing overall air quality.


However, it’s worth noting that ventilation efficiency through air conditioning varies depending on the system design. Some units may recirculate indoor air more than others. For optimal results, combining air conditioning with natural ventilation is recommended, such as opening windows when outdoor air quality is good.


Maintenance and Air Quality Tips

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure air conditioning systems continue to contribute to good air quality. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

  1. Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

  2. Schedule professional maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal system performance.

  3. Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation to maintain proper airflow.

  4. Consider using high-quality filters that can capture smaller particles effectively.


In addition to maintenance, here are a few general tips to improve air quality when using air conditioning:

  1. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering.

  2. Avoid smoking indoors to prevent the release of harmful chemicals.

  3. Keep indoor plants that naturally purify the air.

  4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid using harsh chemicals that can release fumes.

Explore expert insights, stay up to date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments that are revolutionizing the indoor air quality landscape within Blade Air's comprehensive Insights Hub.

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You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter below for exclusive early access to Blade's Insights content, uncovering tomorrow's air quality advancements before they hit our Hub.

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